Granit Xhaka dropped by Switzerland after falsified Covid vaccination certificate probe | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has been stood down by Switzerland and will miss the current camp and the next four UEFA Nations League matches after prosecutors in Lucerne opened an investigation into an allegedly falsified Covid vaccination certificate. The federation announced on Monday that he had been removed from selection.

The Sunderland midfielder, formerly of Arsenal, apologised in an Instagram story, admitting he obtained a vaccination certificate without being vaccinated and confirming he is cooperating with the authorities.

The 152-cap captain explained he had been deeply unsettled and distrustful of the Covid-19 vaccine at the time, and now accepts the decision was a mistake.

It was agreed the squad would meet without him, with the aim of easing tensions and maintaining focus on upcoming Nations League commitments.

Xhaka is suspected of falsifying a Covid vaccination certificate, an offence that could carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 Swiss francs, about 10,590 euros. He is expected to appear before a judge in early October.

After a camp in Belek, Türkiye, Switzerland are set to face North Macedonia on Saturday, with the return on 6 October in the Nations League, then Scotland on 29 September and Slovenia on 3 October.

Source: Le Progres

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